Widnes pub closed for covid breaches
Drugs paraphernalia also discovered along with a sledge hammer and a machete.
A pub in Widnes has been closed indefinitely following persistent unacceptable behaviour and covid breaches.
Over recent months Cheshire Constabulary and Halton’s licensing team have received numerous complaints regarding the Beehive Inn in Halebank Road.
There have been multiple reports of disorder, underage drinking, covid breaches and drug related activity at the premises.
The most recent incident took place on Sunday 30 May when police attending the premises discovered drugs paraphernalia along with a sledge hammer and a machete.
There were also clear covid breaches and the licensee, who was supposed to be in control of the premises, was himself intoxicated.
As a result of all the criminality and obvious licence and covid breaches, an urgent application was submitted by the Widnes Beat Team to have licensee removed as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
Following review of the application, and in collaboration with the Red Oak Taverns, the owners of the premises, the licensee was been served with a section 51 notice and formally removed as the DPS on Tuesday 15 June.
As a result the premises has now closed indefinitely and will only reopen once a new Designated Premises Supervisor has been identified.
Chief Inspector Becky Stokes, Head of Widnes Local Policing Unit said: “I welcome the closure of these premises which demonstrate our commitment in making Cheshire a hostile place for criminals.
“I hope that this result provides reassurance to the local community and serves as a warning to those who have a significant detrimental impact on the quality of life of local residents through illegal and anti-social behaviour.
“The behaviour of both the licensee and the people visiting the premises has been totally unacceptable and I have no doubt that the closure will make a real difference to the local community.
“This has been a fantastic team effort and I would like to thank all of the officers involved in the closure, along with the brewery and local community for all the support that they have provided.”